Horchata Banana Smoothie
Why this recipe works
- Ready in minutes: Everything is blended cold, so the drink comes together quickly without soaking, cooking or chilling time.
- Creamy without dairy: A very ripe banana gives the smoothie body and softness, while rice milk keeps the finish light.
- Gently sweet: Maple syrup can be adjusted after blending, letting the banana, cinnamon and vanilla stay in balance.
Get the most out of this recipe
Authenticity notes
- Horchata-inspired, not traditional: The flavour profile comes from horchata’s rice, cinnamon and vanilla notes, but the banana smoothie format is a modern shortcut rather than a traditional soaked-rice agua fresca.
Ingredient notes
- Use a very ripe banana: The riper the banana, the sweeter and creamier the smoothie will be, reducing the need for extra sweetener.
- Choose plain rice milk: Plain rice milk keeps the flavour close to horchata; strongly flavoured plant milks will change the character of the drink.
Texture tips
- Blend the base first: Blending the banana, rice milk, cinnamon, vanilla and salt before adding ice helps create a smoother texture.
- Serve while frothy: Pour the smoothie as soon as it is blended, while the ice is fresh and the top is still light and foamy.
Ingredient swaps
- Swap the sweetener: Agave syrup can replace maple syrup for a cleaner sweetness that lets the cinnamon and vanilla come through more clearly.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the banana and break it into a few pieces. Add it to a blender with the plain rice milk, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract and fine sea salt. Blend until smooth.
- Add the ice cubes and blend on high until thick, creamy and frothy. Taste and blend in a little more maple syrup if you want it sweeter. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Recipe notes
Tips
- A very ripe banana gives the most horchata-like sweetness and a creamier texture without needing extra sweetener.
- If your blender struggles with ice, crush the ice cubes first with a few pulses, then blend to a smooth finish.
Substitutions
- Replace maple syrup with agave syrup for a cleaner sweetness that lets the cinnamon and vanilla stand out.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 1 days
- Serve straight away for the best froth. If storing, refrigerate in a sealed bottle and re-blend briefly (or shake very well) before serving, adding a few fresh ice cubes if needed.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 1 glasses
- Total time: 8min (8min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Mexican
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